The Hunters of the Golden Cobra

Director - Antonio Margheriti (Killer Fish, Death Rage)

Starring - David Warbeck (Breakfast with Dracula, Sudden Fury), Almanta Suska (The New York Ripper, The Gravy Train), and Luciano Pigozzi (Strike Commando, Robowar)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Action/Adventure

Tagline - "The Mission: Recover the world's most priceless treasure.  The odds: impossible"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

    I'll be completely honest here when I say I didn't know what to expect when I took a dive into this box set from Severin Films.  I was familiar with Antonio Margheriti and his horror titles so I knew I was going to see some campy writing and a rushed story that somehow finds a way to be cheap fun.  So far that has been exactly what these Indiana Jonesploitation films have been in this set.  Movies, much like the women I love, are a lot of fun when they are cheap and these three films are just that.  After Jungle Raiders and The Ark of the Sun God, I was left with the final film in the set which was the 1982 flick The Hunters of the Golden Cobra.  I once again want to thank Severin for sending this one over.

     The film follows an American soldier who partners with a British officer on a mission.  Things happen and the American soldier is left for dead.  Fast forward a few years and the British officer finds the American soldier in an Asian country.  After a quick scuffle, the pair make ammends an agree to once again team up to retrieve an ancient artifact said to have a supernatural power.

     The Hunters of the Golden Cobra is the only film in the set where we have well written characters but lacked story.  This one was shot in 1982 and I would almost wager that it was rushed into production to cash in on the Indiana Jones craze while writing it as they went.  It's the weakest in the set but does have it's moments.  The acting in this one is easily the most inconsistent but my favorite of the set.  David Warbeck delivers my favorite performance of the three films.  It looks like he is having a lot of fun on set and that shows in each scene.  His on screen chemistry with John Steiner is fantastic.  The pair feed off each other and make the film as enjoyable as possible.  The supporting cast is hit or miss with some showing zero acting experience while others were clearly locals paid to fill space in front of the camera.  The story for this one, like the other three, starts out promising enough but does run it's course fairly early on.  We once again encounter rush stories with everything from Indiana Jones and other like it tossed at the viewer hoping something sticks.  It's clear it was only made to make a quick buck off fans.  Finally, the action is fiarly enjoyable in the early portion of the film but it's nothing original or memorable.  Those of us looking for fun deaths will be disappointed as well.  Overall, The Hunters of the Golden Cobra got my hopes up at the beginning with the fun characters but was once again a cheap watch with some fun moments but is easily forgettable.  It's worth a watch especially if you bring some beer.  

Return of Eva Man

Director(s) - Zacarias Urbiola (A Dragonfly for Each Corpse, House of Psychotic Women) and Antonio D'Agostino (Eva Man, The Ceremony of the Senses)

Starring - Eva Robin's (Hercules, Tenebrae), Ajita Wilson (Hell Behind the Bars, Passionate Lovers), and Ramon Centenero (The Night of the Werewolf, The Dracula Saga)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Sci-Fi/Comedy

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was not expecting the wild ride that Mondo Macabro was going to send me on when they sent over the Eva Man double feature.  These two films were new to me and I had no idea how important they were in the world of cinema and exploitation at the time.  However, after finishing the first film and working on the review I quickly learned that this film was very important to movie history which only made me even more excited for the sequel.  Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review!

     The film once again follows Eva (Robbin's), the professor, and her friend as they fight and evade a group of criminals who are after them.  The professor used the technology from the first film to create a ray gun that when fired at someone awakens intense sexual desire.  

     Return of Eva Man, or El Regreso de Eva Man, is another wild film that does a decent enough job at furthering the already crazy story from the film film.  While it does take the same formula from the first film and makes small changes, those changes are just enough to make it work.  It's not going to win people over like the first film but it is still a lot of fun.  The acting in this one is consistent with the first film.  Robbin's and Wilson make the film.  Their charisma and personality makes every scene they are in.  The supporting cast is solid for the most part but it's these two ladies that makes these two films as fun as they are.  The story for this one is essentially the same as the first film with a few minor changes.  Both films follows a group of bad guys chasing Eva for different sexual reasons.  It's obvious they took what made the first film work and rush it into production while the iron was still hot so to speak.  It doesn't give us something new but it's still a solid sequel with some laughs.  Finally, no blood or guns in this one.  We get some skin, some laughs, and that's about the extent of it.  Overall, Return of Eva Man is no as historic as the original but it still deserves a watch.  It's not that original but still entertaining.  Check it out.  

African Run

Director - Andrew Sinclair (Blue Blood, Under Milk Wood)

Starring - John Wyman (For Your Eyes Only, Nash Bridges), Carol Royle (The Outsider, Summer Season), Holly Palance (The Omen, Thriller)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Action

Tagline - "Your passport to adventure, romance, and death"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     As I work my way through this Bloody Legend box set from Severin Films, I find myself really intrigued by the films.  By this point I know I will not like most of the films in this set but I like watching movies I've never seen before.  It's interesting to see the stories, read the behind the scenes chaos, and sit through movies that went mostly unnoticed for decades until Severin stepped in to preserve their history.  The next movie in the set, African Run, was a bit confusing for me.  I was able to find a few VHS posters for the film but everything I found for the film just circled back to Tuxedo Warrior.  I chalked it up to being a more obscure title associated with Cliff Twemlow and hit play on it.  It was then that I realized something was a bit off.

     The film follows an ex-military man who is known for spending most of his time at a small pub in Africa.  He finds himself in the center of a diamond heist but after he is double crossed he must fight for his life.

     I knew something was off when I tossed in African Run and hit play.  The movie was painfully familiar after the introductory scene.  It was apparent that Twemlow and company added a new intro and a few more scenes (I think) randomly throughout the movie.  I don't know what the purpose of this was but it didn't improve the movie.  In fact, it made it even more apparent that it was a rush job.  The acting in these new segments are no better than the original film.  While I spoke on that in my review for Tuxedo Warrior, I feel I don't need to say much more than that.  The story in this one is not improved by the added scenes.  I don't know if scenes were removed when these were added but the overall experience of the film, along with the pacing, is not improved.  The movie still feels rushed and the lack of action makes it difficult to finish.  Finally, these added films do not bring in any new practical effects or fun deaths.  Overall, African Run is a different cut of Tuxedo Warrior.  I don't know if this was cut like this to improve the overall film or to by pass some sort of legal issue.  Regardless, it's still a difficult film to finish.  Skip it.  

Tuxedo Warrior

Director - Andrew Sinclair (Bluebood, Under Milk Wood)

Starring - John Wyman (For Your Eyes Only, Nash Bridges), Carol Royle (The Outsider, Crime Traveler), Holly Palance (The Omen, Thriller)

Release Date - 1982

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

    When I started my little review blog over a decade ago, I did so with the intent to review the direct to video action and exploitation flicks that has been lost to time.  It didn't take long for my love of horror to take over and most of the films I started reviewing was just that.  However, I would still keep an eye out for action flicks that time forgot.  Recently, I was sent the Bloody Legend: The Complete Cliff Twemlow Collection which featured several action flicks along with some horror titles.  I started the set with the documentary Mancunian Man before diving into the first film which was 1982's Tuxedo Warrior.  Like always, I want to thank Severin for sending this one my way!

     The film follows Cliff (Wyman) who owns a bar in Zimbabwe when he finds himself in the middle of a game of cat and mouse when some friends rob a bank.  He promises to help them out if they promise to share some of their spoils with him.

     When I was looking into the films in this set, it was Tuxedo Warrior that really caught my attention.  I knew I needed to watch the documentary first just so I would know more about Twemlow and his career but the title and all the artwork I found for this film really peaked my interest.  My mind was racing all over the place with the different possibilities as to what the film was going to be like and nothing could prepare me for what I actually saw.  The acting in this one is something else.  I've seen my fair share of no budget flicks yet this may be the stiffest cast I've seen in front of the camera.  The cast delivers their lines in monotone most of the film while standing as stiff as possible.  It's almost as if they were told if they moved a muscle they would be shot.  It's one of the strangest things I've seen in a film.  The story for this one feels like it was written around the location they were filming without much time spent on the details.  It's extremely dialogue heavy and doesn't really give the viewer that sense of action or adventure.  If you go into this one think it's an action flick like I did, then you will be very disappointed.  Finally, don't expect a lot of action sequences or a high body count.  The film is mostly people talking and that's about it.  Overall, Tuxedo Warrior is one of those titles that will draw in 80s action fans but the movie is nowhere near as fun as the artwork.  I wanted to love it but I just couldn't.  This is one I would recommend skipping.  

The Last Horror Film

Director - David Winters (Thrashin', Space Mutiny)

Starring - Joe Spinell (Maniac, The Undertaker), Caroline Munro (Slaughter High, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad), and Judd Hamilton (Starcrash, A Talent for Living)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The Cannes Film Festival a cast of thousands...but only one killer!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Horror has a lot of underrated icons.  I hear names getting tossed around all the time with underrated attached to them.  Many of them are actors that I truly feel are underrated but one that I never hear mentioned is the late Joe Spinell.  Many know him from Maniac and Maniac II but his career from the early 70s to late 80s is absolutely brilliant appearing in the films The Godfather, Rocky, sequels to both, Taxi Driver, Vigilante, Rapid Fire, The Undertaker which is my personal favorite.  One of his more popular films is the 1982 film The Last Horror Film which was also released under the title Fanatic.  This Troma released film has been seen my many over the years after finding releases on VHS and DVD.  Recently, Troma put the film out on blu and was kind enough to send it over for review.  It had been years since my last viewing of this early 80s classic and this was a great reason to revisit it.  

     The film follows a taxi driver from New York (Spinell) who travels Cannes to attend the film festival in hopes of convincing horror starlet Jana Bates (Munro) to star in his film.  However, as he tries to get close to her, he finds himself blocked by different members of her entourage and staff.  Soon after his arrival, members of her group are brutally murdered.  As he struggles to get close to her, more and more people are missing or found murdered leaving many to suspect who the killer really is.

     The Last Horror Film is a great flick.  I truly is.  In fact, it's one of the better films that Troma has released over the years.  However, it's not my favorite Spinell flick.  Hell, it probably doesn't even break in the top 5 if I'm being honest but it's still a solid film especially if you are looking for something from the early 80s with some blood.  The acting in this one is great.  Caroline Munro does a fantastic job as a rising star known for horror films.  She really embodies the role and makes her scenes a lot of fun.  The same can be said for the supporting cast.  They all really get into their roles and deliver great dialogue and grounded interactions.  With that being said, the star is Spinell and he does not disappoint.  He delivers an unforgettable performance and several scenes that always gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I've seen this one.  His career may have spanned almost 20 years but I wish he would have lived a little longer just so see how many memorable performances he had left in him.  The story for this one is basically a slasher set against the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival.  The movie was shot guerilla style with no permits as guests and tourists flocked around the streets and locations.  That makes the film feel raw as fuck if you ask me.  This makes the story with the obsessed fan wanting to direct his obsession in a movie while her entourage is getting murdered feel even more tense.  I also liked the news footage and audio playing at random times about the Jodie Foster stalker that tried to assassinate Ronald Reagan.  I don't know if this was the inspiration for the film or added to give the story layers but I really liked that bit of American history added to the story where it was relevant.  Finally, the film has several deaths. They feature a lot of blood along with some solid make-up effects and props but isn't the most gruesome especially for what was coming out at the time.  Overall, The Last Horror Film is one of the better slashers in the Troma catalogue.  While I would recommend Blood Hook before this one, this is still a must see for genre fans, fans of 80s cinema, and anyone looking for films featuring the late Joe Spinell.  I highly recommend it.  

Cafe Flesh

Director(s) - Stephen Sayadian (Dr. Caligula, Nightdreams 3) and Mark S. Esposito (Treasure of the Haunted House, TerrorVision)

Starring - Andy Nichols (Doctor Penetration, Student Affairs), Paul McGibboney, and Michelle Bauer (Demonwarp, Virgin High)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Sci-Fi

Tagline - "THE TIME... Five years after the nuclear war.  The survivors...post-nuke thrill freaks lookin' for a kick"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I started watching and collecting sexploitation flicks about 10 years ago when companies like Vinegar Syndrome, Severin Films, and Mondo Macabro started sending them my way for review.  These were films that I never had an interest in watching until I was sent some for review where I fell in love with them.  Since those days I've heard about the popular sexploitation flicks that many fans of the sub-genre would consider essential viewing.  Films like Waterworks, Sexworld, and the infamous Cafe Flesh.  I had never seen Cafe Flesh previously but when Mondo Macabro sent me the UHD for review, you bet your sweet ass I made time to finally check it out.  I, once again, would like to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over.

     The film takes place in a post-nuclear world where most of the people are called "negatives."  These people are unable to have sex and visit clubs where those that can, called "positives," perform various shows for them.  One night during the show, the host spots a couple and continuously mocks them between the various acts.  As the film progresses, we learn that one of them is secretly a positive who hides her secret from her negative spouse until her sexual desires overtake her.

     I was seriously excited to finally see Cafe Flesh.  I had heard so many great things about this one but could only find extremely edited or cut versions of the film online.  I decided to hold on until I could find a complete cut of the film.  Sadly, I found myself not enjoying the film after all this time of waiting.  I wanted to love it, especially for it's amazing story, but I found myself bored to tears.  The acting in this one is extremely entertaining.  In fact, it is one of the high points of the film for me.  The characters are all colorful and full of energy for the most part.  In the world of sexploitation and erotica, this is one of the most energetic casts I've seen.  The film has to be seen just for the acting alone.  The story for the this one is one of those films that I feel was amazing on paper but didn't translate that well to screen.  A sexploitation flick set in a post-nuclear wasteland where only a small group of people can screw around while the majority is forced to watch their shows is very unique.  You throw in a little character development and you have something truly unforgettable.  However, the film's unique style and semi-arthouse approach might be iconic among genre fans, it did make for a slow moving film that really did nothing to hold my attention.  The film, without the sex, could have been cut drastically to make the story a bit more fun.  Instead, it's a long and drawn out skin flick that bored me to tears.  Finally, the film has plenty of skin but if you want some blood or memorable effects then you are out of luck.  Overall, Cafe Flesh has a look and style all it's own with one hell of a story but the scenes are painfully too long and the story doesn't go anywhere.  I seriously wanted to like this one but it wasn't for me.  

Special Silencers

Director - Arizal (Trouble Everywhere, American Hunter)

Starring - Barry Prima (Hello Ghost, London Virginia, Eva Arnaz (Please Be Patient!, Forgotten Rules), and W. D. Mochtar (Hell Raiders, Revenge of the Ninja)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Action/Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I started my writing career I was not very knowledgeable about foreign films but some binging of Asian splatter flicks made me realize that I cannot live on just American films alone.  Since then I've been actively searching for international films released by some of the boutique labels that I support.  A few weeks back my friends over at Mondo Macabro sent over the 1982 Indonesian action horror film Special Silencers.  The film, from what I can tell, finished production in 1979 but didn't release until 1982.  I don't know why but I'm glad it finally found an audience and I'm extremely grateful that MM took the time to release it.  It's a wild action oriented film that has horror elements planted deep in it.  I want to take a moment to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over.  

     The film follows an evil man who killed his grandfather, a wise mystic, in order to get his hands on little red pills known as silencers.  If you use them correctly and meditate they can turn you into a strong martial arts master.  However, using them without the proper training results in a large tree growing out of your torso.  When a stranger arrives and discovers that several people have died after a tree has sprouted through them, he sets out to find the cause of it and stop it.  

     Like a majority of the Mondo Macabro releases, I knew absolutely nothing about this one prior to reviewing it.  The title had me scratching my head but all the artwork I had seen for the film prior to my viewing painted one hell of a film.  While the film was not AS wild as the artwork, it was still a lot of fun.  The acting in this one is what you would expect from a low budget regional flick from Indonesia.  The cast has several credits to their names and had decades in the entertainment industry but the rushed scenes, poorly written characters, and inexperienced supporting cast made a lot of the scenes feel comical in a way and didn't really showcase what the cast is capable of.  The story for this one is a lot of fun.  While it does feel more like an action oriented drama, it did have some horror elements that worked well especially if you are a fan of martial arts cinema.  The characters are not that well written but the scenes and outlandish story more than makes up for it.  It holds the viewer's attention very well and the action is a lot of fun.  Finally, the film has a lot of blood and some fun effects with the tree like thing bursting through the victims like chestbusters from Alien.  These effects look great for the film and horror fans will appreciate them.  Overall, Special Silencers may not be the bloodiest and goriest Asian horror flick I've seen but it was so much fun.  The martial arts is enjoyable and the story is absolutely wild.  I highly recommend it.  

Sex Apocalypse

Director(s) - Carlos Aured (The Mummy's Revenge, Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll) and Sergio Bergonzelli (Blood Delirium, Dirty World)

Starring - Ajita Wilson (Hell Behind the Bars, Passionate Lovers), Ricardo Diaz (Cut Throats Nine, My Daughter Hildegart), and Lina Romay (Snakewoman, Vampire Junction)\

Release - 1982

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been fortunate enough to review several films starring Lina Romay through my tenure here at Horror Society.  While I may not have liked them all, I did enjoy a fair bit of them.  She's an amazing actress and her beauty is unparalleled.  However, I just realized that all the films that featured her also had Jess Franco behind the camera.  That was until Mondo Macabro sent over 1982's Apocalipsis Sexual which they released on blu under the title Sex Apocalypse.  This was another one from MM that I had never heard of before and I want to take a moment to thank them for sending it my way for review.

     The film follows a group of sex crazed criminals who decide to kidnap a woman and hold her for ransom.  They soon discover that their beautiful captive is a virgin with a wild side which changes things up for them.  

     I went into this one thinking it was going to a severely erotic flick but I was very surprised to find that it was a sexy crime drama with a decent story.  While it wasn't as fun as the Andy Sidaris action flicks of the 80s and early 90s, it was still a very enjoyable especially if you enjoy the sleazier side of exploitation.  The acting in this one is very inconsistent.  Some of the cast really got into their characters.  They tried to give viewers fun personalities and had a lot of energy on screen.  The rest of the cast is there because they are good looking.  They let their looks carry them through the film.  The story for this one is surprisingly well written regardless if its skin flick or not.  A group of criminals kidnapping a millionaire's daughter only to discover she might be the key to new insights into their sexually driven world.  It's a wild story that held my attention from beginning to end.  Finally, the film isn't a bloody one.  It relies heavily on the beautiful bodies of the cast with no thought of delivering the red stuff to exploitation fans.  Overall, Sex Apocalypse is a fun sexploitation release from Mondo Macabro that should be on any fan's shelf.  It's a wild film that is put together very well.  I highly recommend it.  

Homework

Director - James Beshears

Starring - Joan Collins (American Horror Story, Star Trek), Michael Morgan (The Master Demon, Murder She Wrote), and Shell Kepler (CHiPs, Three's Company)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "Every young man needs a teacher"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Unearthed Films has released some of the most brutal genre films to ever be conceived onto bluray and DVD over the years.  Films like the August Underground trilogy, A Serbian Film, Atroz, and many more have found their home with Stephen Biro and his Unearthed Films banner.  That is not UF only focus.  In recent years Unearthed has dropped several bombshells on fans and collectors when they started adding several non-horror titles to their catalogues.  Several weeks back Unearthed announced the release of the 1982 sex comedy Homework.  This was one I had never heard of before nor was I expecting UF to be releasing it.  Regardless, I was very curious about this one so I reached out to my friends over at MVD and they were kind enough to send a review copy over my way.  Like always, I want to thank MVD and Unearthed for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check this one out.

     The film follows a typical high school student with dreams of losing his virginity and becoming the next big rock star.  However, it's impossible to do either of those because of his school work, seductive teachers and their boyfriends, overprotective parents, and women who prefer to swim instead of fooling around with guys.

     I went into Homework knowing very little about it.  I knew it was originally completed in the late 70s and not released until 1982 but that was the extent of my knowledge on the film.  With that being said, I was surprised by how fun this one was especially considering how it was an 80s comedy that no one talks about.  Most fans of cinema are huge champions of 80s films and I'm a bit shocked I had never heard this one tossed out before when discussing 70s and 80s sex comedies.  The acting in this one is awkward most of the time but far from the worst I've seen.  The cast struggles with feeling sincere with the dialogue and a lot of the scenes feel like the cast is just reading their lines off of poster boards off camera.  When you mix this with the cliched characters you get some unintentionally funny moments.  The story for this one is not that original or compelling but it works for what it is.  A dude trying to score while trying to form a rock band isn't that original even for the late 70s when it was originally shot.  However, it's just the type of sleazy fun you would expect and it works.  Sure, it's not a film you can rewatch over and over again like Porky's but its still a solid film.  Finally, the humor in this one doesn't really find it's mark but the acting and cliches do deliver a few unintentional laughs.  Overall, Homework may not be for all fans of Unearthed Films.  However, fans of 80s comedies will surely enjoy this one but not for the reasons they suspect.  I highly recommend snagging this blu from Unearthed Films.  

A Question of Silence

Director - Marleen Gorris (The L Word, The Last Island)

Starring - Edda Barends (The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank, Intensive Care), Nelly Fridja (Flodder, Flodder in America), and Henriette Tol (Flying Kicks, Intensive Care)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Drama/Crime

Tagline - "They have never met before... but they agree to kill together"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I’ve spent the last week or two watching indie slashers and shorts for the site. These are the types of films that people have come to expect me to review and I love doing it. I love looking at all the hard work and passion come to life before my very eyes. It truly is exciting to spend this time watching something that someone has put so much time and heart into. Even if I don’t dig them all I still find it enjoyable to watch indie productions. I’ve also found myself more open to international films regardless of release year and budgets. It’s almost like an anthropological study with some of the older international films that I watch. I love seeing the style and culture of these films especially if they are from bygone years or decades. Recently, Cult Epics has been dipping their toes into international waters. They’ve sent over a handful of films recently from the 60s through the 80s from all over the world with their latest effort being the Dutch mystery drama A Question of Silence. 

      The film follows three women from various backgrounds and social standings who find themselves in a retail store at the same time. They have never met each other before and have no connection to one another. However, when one of them is accused of stealing the other two surround the shop keeper and the three brutally murder him while other women watch in excitement. A psychiatrist studies the three and determines that they are not insane but releasing pent up anger from living in a male dominated society. 

      A Question of Silence was controversial when it was released due to it’s subject matter. Men with little dick energy found themselves playing the victim in this film as women came together to make a stand against the way they were expected to be treated. A drama from 1982 was showing the world how women were treated as the "inferior" gender and some accused the film of telling women to take up arms against the males. Controversial or not, A Question of Silence is a fantastic film with a story that is considered a feminist classic from a director that has contributed greatly to the feminist movement. The acting in this one is great. I’m not familiar with the cast at all but I loved the personality and chemistry with each other. The cast does a phenomenal job in their roles and really do an amazing job bringing the characters to life. The story for this one is intriguing and works but I can see why some men in the early 80s lost their fucking minds seeing a film depicting women rising up and taking control of their lives. Even to this day women all over the world are being oppressed and forced to believe that they are inferior. I really liked the mystery angle that this drama uses but it’s a no brainer as to why the murder takes place especially once you get the peak at the lives of the three ladies before the murder was committed. It’s a brilliant film that could be redone today and still have the same impact. Finally, this film is not the bloody mess most of us horror fans are looking for. It’s story driven with just one death that we don’t get to fully enjoy. Overall, A Question of Silence is a powerful piece of feminist cinema that anyone can truly enjoy especially if you don’t have your head up your ass. It’s a well done film that does shed light on what its like for women even in today’s world. I highly recommend this release from Cult Epics.

Calamity of Snakes

Director - Chi Chang (China Heat, Bruce Lee's Deadly Kung Fu)

Starring - Yun-Peng Hsiang (The Challenge of the Lady Ninja, The Cold Sun), Yuen Kao (The Serpent Warriors, Edge of Fury), and Ping-Ou Wei (The Way of the Dragon, Jungle Heat)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Action/Comedy

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Unearthed Films has tossed me for a few loops over the years. The underground distribution company is known for releasing films such as A Serbian Film, 100 Tears, Evil Dead Trap, and so on. Stephen Biro and Unearthed has brought some visceral and brutal films to the masses. However, lately we’ve seen some unexpected releases. A month or two back Unearthed released the sci-fi drama Grand Tour starring Jeff Daniels. This is a film no one was expecting to see under the Unearthed banner but I was grateful that they took the rick of releasing something out of the wheelhouse. Now I’m sitting here reviewing another oddball release from Unearthed and I fucking loved it. Calamity of Snakes randomly showed up for review from MVD. When I looked at the cover art I was instantly hooked and surprised to see it was an Unearthed released. The next day I received the press release for the film and couldn’t wait to dig into. I want to thank MVD and Unearthed for sending this one over for review. 

      The film begins with a wealthy business man who orders his construction crew to murder thousands of snakes that he finds in a pit when building an apartment complex. Sometime later the building is finished and the new tenants move in. As they decorate their new homes and try to make things as cozy as possible they soon find themselves under attack by snakes seeking revenge. 

      Calamity of Snakes is not a film I would expect someone like Unearthed Films would get involved with. It seems more in line with the releases from labels like 88 Films and Eureka Entertainment. It’s not a violent film that turns murder and carnage into art like so many other films under the Unearthed banner but due to its graphic depiction of hundreds of snakes dying I can see why other labels were reluctant to snag it. Regardless, I’m glad someone did and it’s another cool released from Biro and company. The acting in this one is exactly what you would expect from a martial arts film from the 70s into the early 80s. It’s overdramatic with cliched characters but the high energy and zaniness of it all makes it so enjoyable. I loved the cast and the characters even though they did blend in with so many other films from the time. A little more personality would have went a long way but it’s still entertaining as is. The story for this one is not how it was initially intended. The film was cut for American audiences to represent a ruthless businessman slaughtering snakes by the hundreds so he can build an apartment complex. Honestly, I dig it and think it works as it is but this was not the original cut of the film. Finally, this film doesn’t have the greatest effects but some of you sicker genre fans will find some enjoyment out of the hundreds of snakes that are brutalized and murdered for the cameras. Honestly, I could have lived without this especially knowing they were murdered for entertainment purposes when some corny effects would have fit the film better. Overall, Calamity of Snakes is a campy film that doesn’t really fit into the Unearthed catalogue but I do appreciate the effort they put into this release. It is a bit of a gamble for them to release something outside of what they are known for but I honestly loved it. Also, those of you that are turned off but the murder of all those snakes, like myself, should note that a portion of sales is being donated to a good cause. I highly recommend this release and I hope Unearthed keeps up taking risks like this one.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Director - Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Jurassic Park)

Starring - Henry Thomas (Gangs of New York, Doctor Sleep), Drew Barrymore (Firestarter, Waxwork II: Lost in Time), and Peter Coyote (The Twilight Zone, The Legend of Billie Jean)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Sci-Fi/Adventure

Tagline - "He is afraid.  He is totally alone.  He is 3 million light years from home"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It’s almost daily that I find myself surprised by what shows up for me to review in the mail. What really catches me off guard the most is when I receive non-horror titles for review considering the site is horrorsociety.com along with films that I consider timeless classics. Movies like George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, Fright Night, Universal’s monster movies, and so on. Recently, I shared a press release for the UHD release of Steven Spielberg’s E.T.: The Extraterrestrial. This film is fucking legendary. It may not be a horror title but it does borrow from the genre and inspired countless filmmakers to pick up a camera. It had been at least 20 some odd years since I last watched this one so I would looking forward to revisiting it. 

      The film follows Elliott who is a bit of the black sheep of his family. His father left him sometime back and he lives with his older brother, little sister, and single mother in California suburbia. One night he finds something out of this world and lovingly named him E.T. He soon introduces the otherworldly visitor to his brother and sister but their secret is not kept for long after E.T. becomes ill and the government gets involved. 

      E.T.: The Extraterrestrial was not the first film of it’s kind but it is one of the best films of it’s kind. Way before this film’s release there was other horror and sci-fi flicks following kids or teenagers who find something strange and try to keep it a secret, but it seems like this type of story fucking exploded, especially in horror, after E.T.’s release. It’s an influential sci-fi film that really set the bar high for family friendly films. The acting in this one is amazing. I love late 70s and 80s Dee Wallace. Her emotional range was really impressive which really bums me out considering she is rarely cast as the lead in films anymore. Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore always impressed me as well. Their characters were written so well and the pair worked so well together. You really feel that child like sibling love/hate. Most of their scenes are genuine. The rest of the cast is just as enjoyable but these three truly stand out for me. The story for this one inspired so many other films and shows ranging from Mac and Me, Stranger Things, and many more. The movie does drag it’s feet from time to time it still finds a way to keep you pulled in. As someone who grew up watching this on VHS along with other films like it I have to admit that it’s not really that original. What makes this one stand out is how wholesome and well put together it is. Finally, the visual and practical effects in this one is legendary. The puppetry, the look of E.T., and the visual effects still hold up to this day. Overall, E.T.: The Extraterrestrial is a timeless classic that really does find an audience after 40 years. This film is a lot of fun but it does struggle with pacing. I highly recommend it especially if you are looking for something that the entire family can enjoy. Check out this UHD release!

Waitress!

Director(s) - Michael Herz (Troma's War, The Toxic Avenger) and Lloyd Kaufman (Shakespeare's Shitstorm, Terror Firmer)

Starring - Jim Harris (Squeeze Play, American Ninja 4: The Annihilation), Carol Drake, and Carol Bevar (The Yum Yum Girls)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "The fun starts as soon as you're seated"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When cult movie fans discuss Troma they often talk about their horror efforts like The Toxic Avenger, Class of Nuke 'em High, Poultrygeist, Terror Firmer, and so on.  Troma's gruesome and often messy stamp on the genre is undeninable.  Co-founder Lloyd Kaufman, and to a lesser extent Michael Herz, has inspired filmmakers for almost 50 years now which is an impressive feat in it's own right.  However, many fans often over look their early efforts.  In the late 70s and early 80s the sex comedy was very popular and with the coming age of VHS Troma decided to try their hand at it.  Drawing inspiration from films like Animal House and Porky's, Troma would release several sleazy comedies which they would release in a DVD box set called the Sex Box.  With DVD now on the way out and blu-ray holding strong, Troma has released three of those films in a new Sex Box on blu.  When I heard the news I ran as fast as I could to my computer and requested a copy from my friends over at MVD who was kind enough to send a copy over.  While I was in the middle of an inpromptu Troma marathon I decided to spin this set starting with 1982's Waitress!  Like always, I want to thank MVD for hooking me up!

     The film follows three women who find themselves working at a questions restaurant for various reasons.  One of the women is on the hunt for a man.  Her gorgeous good looks but simple mindedness has men falling heads over heels for her but she fails to see it.  Another waitress is an aspiring actress and will stop at nothing to portray her favorite historical character, Joan of Arc, on the big screen.  The third waitress is the daughter of the restaurant owner who has made some questionable decisions in her short life before she is forced to work here as a form of punishment.

     Waitress! is a film I've owned for some time after I snagged the Sex Box set on DVD for cheap many years ago.  However, I never got around to actually watching this one.  I had seen The First Turn On sometime ago but I never ventured farther into the set with the other two titles.  This is why I decided to start with Waitress!  I really like the artwork for the film.  It's not only a true product of it's time but it really had my imagination working overtime.  Sadly, the film was not that fun.  It has a few good laughs but it's nowhere near as enjoyable as the artwork.  The acting in this one is exactly what you would expect from a Troma film from the 80s.  The cast is energetic and extremely comfortable in front of the camera but their inexperience does show.  The dialogue is awkward at times but the cast really does give it their all.  The downside to this is that the characters are all fairly generic and easily forgettable which gives the cast nothing to really work with.  The story for this one has all the wild jokes and puns that you come to expect from a Troma film but the rapid scene change, chaotic scenes, and underwhelming story does make this one a bit of a snooze fest for movie fans.  It was clearly rushed through to cash in on the VHS comedy craze.  Finally, don't expect any blood or guts.  We get some nudity but that is about the only fun visuals that we do get.  Overall, Waitress! is not for the standard Troma fan.  This film did help pave the way for the more memorable films that we know and love but is not one I can recommend.  I love Troma and tried to give them the benefit of the doubt but this movie just wasn't fun.  Skip it.  

     

Deadly Games

Director - Scott Mansfield (Imps*, The Tell-Tale Heart)

Starring - Jo Ann Harris (The Manhunter, Oliver and Company), Sam Groom (Otherworld, Deadly Eyes), and Steve Railsback (Ed Gein, Turkey Shoot)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Only he will hear you scream"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Like many horror fans, I'm a sucker for slashers.  I was in middle school when the bug bit me and before long I was snagging ever movie I could get from my local video store and big box retails stores.  I remember falling in love with the original My Bloody Valentine and April Fool's Day.  Since then I've amassed a decent collection of late 70s and 80s slashers.  Sadly, not all of them are worth a damn and some are a bit too difficult to finish but I still have fun with them.  Sometime ago Arrow Video announced the release of the 1982 slasher Deadly Games.  This is one I had never seen before so I shot my friends over at MVD a message and they were quick to send a copy my way.  Like always, I want to thank MVD and Arrow for hooking me up.  

     The film follows a young woman who returns to her hometown when her sister falls to her death from her home.  The police suspect that someone may have been in the house with her but are unable to prove it.  Soon the bodies start to pile up and she suspects that the killer could be one of the unlikely friends, one of which is the sheriff and the other the manager of a local theater.  

     Deadly Games is not a slasher that will stick with you like so many others do.  Slashers are an experience for the most part but some are painfully mediocre and the middle of the road.  With so many amazing slashers that can be found that give us unforgettable killers, historic final girls, and settings that would inspire films for decades so it's disappointing when you find a movie that is still solid but doesn't give you any of those.  Sadly, that is Deadly Games that film.  It's not bad but doesn't stand out out like so many great ones.  The acting in this one is pretty well done.  It's cool seeing Steve Railsback as another loaner type character.  I was introduced to him after his appearance as Ed Gein in the film by the same name about the notorious Wisconsin grave robber and murderer.  He's such a fantastic actor and his performance here was solid as well.  However, the character he portrays doesn't stand out from the film.  He blends in with the background like so many other characters in the film.  Honestly, I liked the acting but the flat and cliched characters made the film just another faceless film in a sea of forgettable slashers.  The story for this one is just another slasher with a skimask-ed killer killing people in some unimaginative ways.  Most of the writing was clearly spent on the dialogue and the quick whips instead of the character development and story.  It's predictable and almost by the book in regards to slashers but it is still fun for what it is.  It doesn't try to stand out but still succeeds at being an effective slasher.  Finally, the deaths are some of the lamest in slasher history.  They are extremely dull and the lack of creativity and blood makes it a huge disappointment.  Overall, Deadly Games is a solid slasher that works for the most part.  We don't get a fun and memorable masked slasher or entertaining deaths but it still satisfies if you are looking for something you've never seen before.  Check it out.  

The Sword and the Sorcerer

Director - Albert Pyun (Cyborg, Radioactive Dreams)

Starring - Lee Horsley (Nightmare Man, Showdown at Area 51), Kathleen Beller (Glitter, The Godfather: Part II), and Simon MacCorkindale (Jaws 3-D, NightMan)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Adventure/Fantasy 

Tagline - "A lusty epic of revenge, dungeons and dragons, wizards and witches, damsels and desire, anda warrior caught in between"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I wrote my review for Steel Dawn several weeks ago I spoke about how growing up with films like Conan the Barbarian, the Destroyer, and Red Sonja really sparked a love interest in adventure fantasy films.  I really enjoyed the sword and sandal films and would watch as many as I could.  I have so many of these films in my collection now and I often revisit them from time to time.  One of those films that often caught praise from fans was The Sword and the Sorcerer.  This is one of the most iconic adventure fantasy films to come out of the 80s and, honestly, it's one that I've never cared for.  I tried to watch it numerous times growing up but I could never get into it.  However, It's been a solid 25 years since I last tried to watch it.  When Shout Factory announced the release of the film on UHD I was curious.  Could I finally appreciate the film that I didn't like when I was younger or would I continue to disagree with the films avid fans?  I want to thank Scream Factory for always supporting Horror Society and myself.

     The film follows an evil King (Richard Lynch) who summons an evil necromancer to dethrone another king and banishing his only son.  While the king grows in power we jump a decade and the banished son has returned as a great warrior ready to fulfill his birth right.

     I love the goofy, cheesy, and testosterone fueled fantasy adventure films featuring hulking men, beautiful women, villainous kings, some magic, and a great deal of epic battles.  The Sword and the Sorcerer has all this but for some reason it fails to pull it all together into something that I enjoyed.  The acting in this one is the right amount of cheese meets overdramatic emotions resulting is that cliched yet enjoyable fantasy adventure characters.  It's not the most memorable performances from the cast but it's the most enjoyable part of the entire film.  The story for this one tosses everything that makes these types of films so much fun but struggles to find it's footing.  On paper this film is fantastic but when you put everything together you find yourself a little overwhelmed at times and underwhelmed at others.  The film has a major issue with pacing and the scenes are horribly put together.  Finally, the film has some light blood here or there but don't expect a blood bath or an outrageously gory film.  The deaths are just part of the story and nothing to stand out.  Overall, The Sword and the Sorcerer gets a lot of love but this is one of the many times that find myself feeling completely different.  I loved the acting and the characters but the story is such a chore for me to finish.  I really want to love it but I can't.  This is one I can't willingly recommend but if you are like me and love fantasy adventure films then maybe this one is up your alley.  

Boardinghouse

Director - John Wintergate (Sally and Jess)

Starring - John Wintergate, Kalassu (Night Court, Terror on Tour), and Lindsay Freeman (Body Double, Fairy Tales)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "...where the rent wont kill you, but something else will!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I started collecting the releases from a small label called Slasher//Video.  They released some pretty obscure films that I had never heard of until they started handling them.  After a few releases they started partnering with Olive Films to get these films released on blu.  One of the films that I remember them releasing was the 1982 supernatural horror film Boardinghouse from director John Wintergate.  I never received the film for review but I did snag a copy on DVD for my collection.  The blu went out of print fairly quickly so I was only able to snag the DVD.  However, when AGFA announced a release of the film on blu in conjunction with Bleeding Skull I was excited to upgrade my copy while adding another AGFA release to my collection.  

     The film follows Jim Royce (Wintergate) who buys an old house to turn into a boardinghouse.  The home was once the site of a horrific murder but he doesn't care.  He wants to use it to fill with beautiful women and soon finds tenants for every room.  The house soon awakens Jim's psychic powers and before long all the female tenants are under attack.  One by one they fall victim to his mental powers.  

    Boardinghouse is one of those films that is far from perfect but it is a lot of fun.  It's goofy, weird, and fun which is the kind of movie that I love.  Honestly, I feel like this one would have been right at home on shows like USA Up All Night.  Like I said, it's not perfect but god damn is it fun.  The acting in this one leaves a lot of room for improvement.  The cast is fairly inexperienced but they really do try to get into their roles.  The characters mostly blend into the background with the exception of director Wintergate's character.  He is awkward at times but nothing that takes away from the overall film.  The story for this one sets itself up to be something gloriously sleazy but surprisingly tones it down.  It's equal parts haunted house/supernatural thriller and slasher.  There is some nudity but no more than most films of the time.  The story focuses heavily on the director's character and the odd story that comes out of it.  The film does have some strained scenes with awkward and borderline bad dialogue but the weird and what the fuck moments more than make up for it.  The pacing is all wrong but once again it is saved by the weirdness.  Finally, if you want some light blood and boobs then this film is for you.  It's overflowing with dated visual effects and light practical effects.  However, if it's gore you are looking for then you will be very disappointed.  Overall, Boardinghouse is not going to be for everyone which is something I often say when reviewing a release from AGFA.  It's a strange film that can be unintentionally funny but the weirdness makes it very enjoyable.   I highly recommend it.